TOADS

Townsville Outdoor Agility Dog Sports came into existence on 26/11/2002 by opening a bank account with a $1 by Wendy Craven & Lucy Joynson. It was not the first ADAA club in north Qld, the first one was called Tropical Agility K9 Sports(TAKS) formed with Kirsty Simpson, which did not survive due to the long distances between members. Wendy & Lucy decided to form an ADAA club here in Townsville because there was no structured agility training using positive reinforcement available at that time. The initial club funds were raised by running fuel raffles & running agility classes at Wendys’ private residence at Toolakea Beach. Very quickly Leisa Cassidy, Jenny Conway, Sarah Mirfin, & Keith Thomas became active members. TOADS held its first competition at Bluewater in July 2003 with judges Wayne Stutz & Lindel Nichols. TOADS became incorporated in Dec 2004. The club held its first training classes at Victoria Park, South Townsville in March 2005, before moving to Heatley Park in 2006. In deciding on the club name Wendy & Lucy particularly wanted “sports” to be in the name. So in the future the club could incorporate other dog sports under the TOADS Inc. banner. TOADS Inc introduced Disc Dog(Frisbee)in 2008, & is possibly introducing flyball in 2009.

Townsville Outdoor Agility Dog Sports conducts training and competitions at Heatley Park, located on the corner of Fulham Road and Lindemann Avenue. TOADS uses the grounds and clubhouse at the invitation of Canine Obedience Club of Townsville.
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TOADS holds agility competitions throughout the year which offer events for the novice through to the experienced dog. Several Frisbee competitions are also held. Dates for these competitions can be found in the “News and Events” section.

TOADS promotes positive training methods using both food and toys rewards. It is very important to us that both you and your dog are having fun. If you would like to join TOADS and share in the fun, contact Leisa Cassidy at info@toadsagility.org.au You can download and print the membership application form and send it back to us at the address given.

Meet the Committee

The TOADS committee is comprised of:
Rick Slack-Smith – President & Flyball Co-ordinator
Phone: (07)4779 8970
Mobile: 0422 808 761

Matt Lovatt- Vice President & Frisbee Co-ordinator
Phone: (07)4725 1923
Mobile: 0415 183 502

Leisa Cassidy– Secretary and Class Co-ordinator
Phone: (07)4780 4600
Mobile: 0428 250 866

Lucy Joynson – Treasurer
Phone: (07)4778 8890
Mobile: 0418 782 973

Linda King – Competition Secretary
Phone: (07)4751 9070
Mobile: 0419 659 860

Tracy Harrison-Hill - Chief Instructor
Phone: (07)4778 06040
Mobile: 0411 051 669

Teegin Bull - Publicity & Demonstration Co-ordinator
Phone: (07)4778 3048
Mobile: 0438 123 971

Ingrid Groeger_Stone - Committee Member & Search & Rescue Co-ordinator
Phone: (07)4778 3048
Mobile: TBA
Email: rajamis87@dodo.com.au

Chris Penketh - Committee Member
Phone: (07)4729 1858

All committee members may be contacted by Email: info@toadsagility.org.au
Your enquiry will be directed to the appropriate person.

The Club holds its monthly meetings at the Clubhouse at Heatley Park. These commence at 7.30pm on the last Monday of the month. These meetings are a great way to get involved and have a say in the running of your Club. Everyone is welcomed and encouraged to attend.

• No dogs are permitted in the Clubhouse or public toilets
• To satisfy Insurance requirements all people attending a training session MUST sign the attendance book
• Any course or other training fees should be paid prior to classes commencing
• There is to be no harsh handling during or within the precincts of our training sessions. Harsh handling may involve physical contact with your dog, threatening body language, and any behaviour that in the opinion of the Chief Instructor would make spectators or members of the public “cringe” on witnessing the event. If you need to correct your dog you must do so in a non-threatening manner. For example, quietly picking up your dog and removing it from the equipment
• All dog faeces are to be picked up by the handler and placed in the appropriate bin
• No check chains or slip collars are to be used whilst under instruction and no collar, other than a fixed or halter, may remain on the dog whilst using the equipment. The only exception to this is a specific directive from the Chief Instructor
• All dogs, unless training, should be crated or on a leash and remain so until the end of training
• Please do not pet or feed someone else’s dog without their permission and be aware of encroaching on other dog’s space. If approaching other dogs please do so with caution or check with their owner. This is especially important if you currently have your own dog/s with you
• Handlers are to accept complete responsibility for any damage done to any person, dog or property by their dogs
• All handlers are responsible for their own dogs. This includes tethering dogs in a position that is safe to both members of the general public and other dogs and handlers. No dogs are to be tethered to the equipment trailer. You must be attentive to your dog whenever they are on lead
• Unless your dog is using the equipment please endeavour to minimise their barking. This helps to maintain an amenable training environment and good relations with local residents
• All handlers are to help with the putting up and clearing away of equipment
• Do not use equipment items that you have not had instruction in. There is potential for injury or for incorrect behaviours to be learnt which can prove difficult to resolve
• Equipment should only be used when under instruction or with the permission of an instructor
• Children are to be supervised at all times. Children under the age of 10 years are not permitted on the training area whilst classes are being conducted
• Child handlers under the age of 14 should be accompanied by a responsible adult
• We reserve the right for a dog to be muzzled
• No bitches in oestrum on the grounds during training
• Suitable footwear is to be worn. No thongs, sandals or bare feet. We recommend running shoes, cricket or touch football shoes
• All dogs should be vaccinated and registered with the relevant local government body (if required)
• Any dog that has been in contact with any infectious animal is not permitted on the training ground for a minimum of 18 days post contact
• TOADS has some equipment items for sale including: weave poles, tug toys, clickers and contact planks. Contact one of the Committee to find out more about these
• In the event of wet weather keep an eye on your email or TOADS Facebook page for updates in regards to training being cancelled. You may also ring one of the Committee members to check this. Phone numbers available on web-site